Did you know that there’s a Venice in France too? I had no idea before my trip because I didn’t prepare for it at all. We were staying in Lyon and every day we randomly picked a village or a town to explore on the map. And one day we ended up in the village of Annecy in Rhone Alpes, without even looking at any photos of its streets beforehand.
The charm of the village of Annecy in the Rhone Alpes.
Imagine my surprise when I saw this wonderful town with canals adorned with flower pots, street lamps lighting up one after another in the twilight, houses resembling candy and marzipan, green groves and alleys, pristine lakes with white swans gracefully gliding on them.
I adore such towns; I love spending evenings sitting in cafes by the canal, listening to music and sipping cappuccinos with French pastries. I enjoy wandering along narrow streets next to water bodies, even if they’re artificial, hopping from one bridge to another, admiring the floating swans. Annecy is exactly like that, light and summery.
It’s also considered the absolute champion of France in terms of the number of flowers. Annecy is located in the east of France and is considered the capital of Upper Savoy.
The town is only 20 minutes away from Geneva, on the border with Switzerland, yet still on French territory. Majestic mountains rise nearby, hinting at the nearby Mont Blanc. The mountain lake shimmers with azure and emerald hues, while numerous yachts and boats peacefully sway on its waves.
Upon arriving here, my attention was immediately drawn to the canals, where colorful houses reflected in the water like in a mirror, adorned with flower pots.
Palais de Ľisle.
Walking along the embankment, you inevitably stumble upon a castle that seems to have grown out of the canal. It feels like a princess lives there. Yet, this castle was once a prison, a counting house, and a house of justice in ancient times. The Palace on the Island, as the French call it, has retained its appearance since the 12th century.
Once, servants of the Geneva nobility lived here. Over the years, the castle became the residence of Helena of Luxembourg. And today, its main purpose is to charm visitors and invite them to its historical museum.
If you’re looking for more whimsical and picturesque villages nearby, visit the magnificent village of Jarnioux in Burgundy. It’s a must-visit if you’re planning a trip to the Rhone Alps or neighboring regions.
Every city has its own Venice.
The canals on both sides were surrounded by fairytale houses, reflecting the image of the streets in the water even before the embankment was built. Some buildings have stone steps leading into the water for mooring boats. Of course, nobody uses them anymore. All water transport can be found at Lake Annecy.
From the city center, canals flow out to the lake, and the largest and most beautiful one – the Thiou canal – connects the lake to the Fier river. Here is where the city life thrives. Colorful houses rise from the water, greenish water flows, and restaurants have all their tables occupied, with songs from the “Romantic Collection” playing in the background. Doesn’t it remind you of something? If you didn’t know this was the French town of Annecy, you might easily think of Venice in Italy.
The purest lake in Europe – Annecy.
I walk further, exploring every nook and cranny, and reach that revered lake. The French Venice stands by Lake Annecy – one of the purest lakes in Europe. The color of the water is breathtaking, turquoise. Make sure to take a boat ride; you’ll have unforgettable experiences.
I’ve heard French people say numerous times that this lake is the cleanest in the world. You can believe them! Just look at the transparency of the water. But it wasn’t always like this; once it was dirtier than dirt. Not long ago, people made efforts to clean it to the extent that it became one of the cleanest in the Alps, if not the world.
A romantic bridge for lovers stretches over the canal, shaded by trees, while swans float on the water. It’s no wonder that couples arrange their dates here. Beyond the bridge lies the Park of Europe with neatly trimmed lawns, benches, and green groves.
I cross the bridge, head towards the hill, and come to an open area where the Gothic Visitation Church rises into the sky. Silence reigns, there’s no one around except for singing birds, and grace and tranquility fill the valley.
Throughout my trip to France, Annecy became my favorite; I carefully preserve all memories of the city in my imaginary box of feelings and pleasant events.
The village of Annecy in Rhone Alpes captivated me with its photogenic nature, and in my opinion, among all such Venices I’ve visited, this city takes the number one spot.
If you’re looking for something new to broaden your exploration in the Rhone Alpes region, I have posts that might interest you – read more about the ancient city of Vienne, the medieval town of Chambéry, and walks in Grenoble.
How to get to the village of Annecy in Rhone Alpes.
Getting to Annecy is easy by car; the roads are good and smooth. The quickest way is to drive from Geneva, which takes about 30 minutes, or from Lyon, which takes 2 hours.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it’s the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
If you can’t travel by car, you can easily get there by bus or train. A bus leaves from Lyon airport and makes stops in towns such as Chambery and Aix-les-Bains. The interval is 3-4 hours.
The most atmospheric hotels in Annecy, France.
Here, we take a journey through some of the most captivating accommodations this quaint town has to offer.
Au Cœur d’Annecy: Situated in the heart of Annecy’s charming old town, Au Cœur d’Annecy offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the town’s vibrant culture. This boutique hotel features stylishly decorated rooms with exposed wooden beams and modern amenities. Guests can step outside and explore the town’s bustling markets, charming cafes, and historic landmarks, all just steps away from the hotel’s doorstep.
L’Impérial Palace: Overlooking the serene waters of Lake Annecy, L’Impérial Palace exudes old-world charm and sophistication. This historic hotel boasts elegant rooms adorned with luxurious furnishings and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, or unwind with a pampering spa treatment after a day of exploring the town.
Hôtel Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort: Perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Annecy, Hôtel Les Trésoms offers a truly magical setting for a memorable stay. The hotel’s cozy rooms feature rustic decor and modern amenities, while its expansive gardens provide a tranquil oasis for relaxation. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the lake from the outdoor terrace, or take a dip in the heated pool surrounded by lush greenery.
I wish you wonderful travels in the most beautiful city in France!
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